In 1996, Equine Advocates, under the leadership of Susan Wagner, started saving horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. In 2004, they established a 140-acre rescue farm on Route 66 just north of Chatham village. Today, EA has nearly 100 horses, ponies, donkeys and even a couple of goats under their care, many of whom were brought to their attention by law enforcement officials. The facility, which regularly holds open days for the general public, has become a popular destination for 4-H clubs, scout troops and school class trips. On Saturday, June 5, E.A. held a special open house at their beautiful property, which is a model for the way horses—and, indeed, all of us—would like to live.
Guest Anna Winand on a barn tour, greets one of the lucky horses who found its way to Equine Advocates; tour guide Sheila Vickery first visited the facility with her Girl Scout troop. Today she is an active volunteer and, with her mother Kelley, sponsors several resident animals.
Committee member Cathy Bau Wong, Marion Pomeroy, and Peggy Kauffman; Charlene Bernstein, board member Karen Solem, and Susan Anthony
Chuck Cronin, Equine Advocates founder and president Susan Wagner, and Monika Kierach Cronin; Ann Domenie and Kay Irish
Gail Landrigan, Kathy Trombley, Equine Advocates staffer Michele Ferritto, and Mary Cox; Karen Wagner and Chuck Foreman
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
